Canterbury

The fire was reported shortly after 2.30pm, burning a shed and spreading to about 100 hectares before being contained just before 6pm. Audio

Contractors were also working to clear a large mudslide blocking both lanes further east on the highway.

Emergency services were called to a street in the suburb of Burwood last night.

Joshua Kuyten was arrested and his devices were seized with a search uncovering 2680 images and 357 videos that were identified as objectionable.

No open air fires can be lit in Canterbury over the weekend with temperatures rising into the 30s and strong northwesterlies predicted.

The body was found on the southern side of Mt Huxley on Wednesday morning.

Connor Purvis has not been seen since he set off to climb Mt Huxley last week.

Emergency services were called to the single-vehicle crash on Jones Road shortly after 7.45am.

Police said the person appeared to have significant injuries.

The 150-year-old Hurunui Hotel reopened in November after being closed while on the market and unable to find a buyer.

Two men were seriously injured after falling from the ride at the Rolling Meadow Festival on New Year's Day.

A calmer day is in store for parts of the South Island battered on Saturday by hail, and lashed by torrential downpours and lightning.

A couple of crashes Saturday morning on State Highway 1 in Canterbury have closed roads.

A man is due to appear in court on Friday.

The High Court stopped short of ordering the regional council to change the rule relating to the discharge of nitrates because of the amount of time that has lapsed.

Four crews responded around 5am and found the single-storey property in Mairehau well ablaze.

Every year, the Christchurch Methodist Mission connects those who have volunteered to donate a hamper with those in need of extra help.

Omarama-Lindis Pass Road has been shut since late this morning following a crash north of the Waitaki town of Omarama.

A fire investigator has been alerted.